Addisababa in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Addisababa

25°C (77°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

12mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with 25°C (77°F) highs and virtually no rain - ideal for outdoor exploration and photography
Post-rainy season landscapes are lush and green, with clear mountain views extending 50+ km (31+ miles) on most days
Shoulder season pricing saves 20-30% on accommodations compared to December-February peak period
Comfortable hiking conditions with cool 12°C (54°F) mornings warming to pleasant 25°C (77°F) afternoons

Considerations

Occasional dust in the air from dry conditions can affect those with respiratory sensitivities
UV intensity remains high at 2,355m (7,726 ft) altitude despite comfortable temperatures
Some rural roads may still have minor damage from September rains, affecting remote excursions

Best Activities in October

Entoto Natural Park Hiking

October's crisp mornings and clear skies make this the ideal month for hiking Addis Ababa's highest peak at 3,200m (10,499 ft). Early morning starts at 6am offer spectacular sunrise views over the city with visibility extending beyond 60 km (37 miles). The dry conditions mean well-maintained trails and comfortable temperatures climbing from 12°C (54°F) to 20°C (68°F) by mid-morning.

Booking Tip: Join guided groups through eco-tourism cooperatives for 800-1,200 birr including transport. Book 5-7 days ahead during October's increasing popularity. Look for guides certified by Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society.

Merkato and Piassa Cultural Walking Tours

The comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) afternoon temperatures make October perfect for extensive walking through Africa's largest open-air market and historic neighborhoods. Dry conditions mean dust-free photography and comfortable exploration of narrow alleys. Local coffee ceremonies peak during October's post-harvest season.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking experiences cost 600-1,000 birr for 4-6 hours including traditional coffee. Book through community-based tourism organizations 3-5 days ahead. Morning tours (8am-12pm) offer cooler conditions.

Blue Nile Falls Day Trips

October offers the perfect balance - falls still have good water flow from rainy season but roads are dry for comfortable 180 km (112 mile) drive to Ethiopia. Temperatures stay pleasant at 28°C (82°F) maximum, and clear skies provide excellent photography conditions for the 'Smoke of Fire' falls.

Booking Tip: Full-day excursions typically cost 2,500-3,500 birr including vehicle, driver, and guide. Book 10-14 days ahead as October is popular for this route. Ensure operator provides 4WD vehicles for final 2 km (1.2 miles) to viewpoints.

Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge

The 2-hour drive north becomes spectacular in October with clear views of the Jemma River Gorge 1,000m (3,281 ft) below. Comfortable temperatures around 22°C (72°F) make the monastery visit and bridge walk pleasant all day. October's dry conditions offer the best access to viewpoints typically muddy during rains.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 1,800-2,400 birr for private vehicle and guide. Community guides at the monastery work for 200-300 birr tips. Book vehicles 1 week ahead - avoid overcrowded weekend trips.

Traditional Coffee Roasting Experiences

October coincides with new harvest season, offering the freshest beans and most real feels. Comfortable indoor temperatures make the 2-3 hour coffee ceremonies enjoyable. Local families and cultural centers host sessions showcasing beans from Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and Harrar regions.

Booking Tip: Authentic family experiences cost 400-800 birr per person including full ceremony and meal. Book through cultural centers or homestay networks 2-3 days ahead. Late afternoon sessions (3pm-6pm) align perfectly with traditional timing.

Rift Valley Lakes Circuit

October's clear, dry weather opens up the 200 km (124 mile) circuit to Lakes Ziway, Langano, and Awasa. Temperatures reach comfortable 26°C (79°F) maximums, perfect for boat trips and bird watching. Roads are in best condition after repairs following rainy season, cutting drive times by 25%.

Booking Tip: Two-day circuits cost 3,500-4,500 birr including accommodation, vehicle, and guide. Book 2 weeks ahead for October availability. Choose operators with lakeside lodge partnerships for best accommodation access.

October Events & Festivals

Early October

Meskel Festival Celebrations

If visiting early October, catch the colorful aftermath celebrations of Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) which occurs in late September. Churches throughout the city hold special services and communities maintain decorated demera bonfires for several days into October.

Mid to Late October

Coffee Harvest Festivals

Rural areas around Addis Ababa celebrate the new coffee harvest with traditional ceremonies and community gatherings. Several cultural centers in the city host harvest celebration events featuring traditional music, dance, and of course, fresh coffee tastings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - 12°C (54°F) mornings require light jacket, 25°C (77°F) afternoons need breathable cotton

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 7 intensified by 2,355m (7,726 ft) altitude

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for uneven cobblestone streets and hiking trails

Light scarf or shawl for entering churches and mosques - essential for Orthodox sites

Dust mask or bandana for sensitive individuals - dry season creates occasional dusty conditions

Portable water bottle with purification tablets - staying hydrated at altitude with 45% humidity

Cash in small denominations - most local experiences and transport require birr payments

Camera rain cover despite dry weather - protection from occasional dust storms

Warm sleeping clothes if staying in budget accommodations - temperatures drop significantly at night

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes - essential for market visits and street food experiences

Insider Knowledge

Locals start outdoor activities at sunrise (6:30am) to maximize comfortable temperatures - join morning joggers at Meskel Square for authentic city experience

October is 'wedding season' in Ethiopian Orthodox tradition - you'll see elaborate processions on weekends, especially around Trinity Cathedral

Restaurant prices increase 15-20% in October due to fresh harvest ingredients - but food quality peaks with new crops and spices

Blue taxis (older models) are 30% cheaper than yellow taxis but negotiate firmly - locals pay 25-40 birr for cross-city trips

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects - even fit travelers feel breathless first 2-3 days at 2,355m (7,726 ft)

Overdressing for daytime - many tourists pack winter clothes seeing 'high altitude' but October days are pleasantly warm

Booking accommodation too late - October popularity among locals means good guesthouses fill up 2+ weeks ahead